Jason Craft Interview

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; After the 2001 season the Saints signed Jason Craft to an offer sheet but the Jaguars matched so New Orleans couldnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢Â‚Â¬Ã¢Â„Â¢t quite bring cornerback Jason Craft into the fold. In 2004 the Saints traded for the four-year veteran from Colorado ...

After the 2001 season the Saints signed Jason Craft to an offer sheet but the Jaguars matched so New Orleans couldnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢Â‚Â¬Ã¢Â„Â¢t quite bring cornerback Jason Craft into the fold. In 2004 the Saints traded for the four-year veteran from Colorado State and Jason Craft couldnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢Â‚Â¬Ã¢Â„Â¢t be happier.

"This is like a new beginning for me. This is really were I wanted to be all along."

Craft was the Saints only off-season addition to a secondary that intercepted only 14 passes in 2003. New Orleans did rank a respectable 8th in the NFL against the pass but that ranking is more of a product of ranking 27th against the run.

Craft believes the Saints secondary is poised for a big 2004.

"I think this scheme really suits me, Fred, and Ashley (Ambrose). I think weÃƒÂ¢Ã¢Â‚Â¬Ã¢Â„Â¢ll make plays and be more physical than people might think."

Craft knows with Michael Clayton joining Tampa and Michael Vick returning to the Falcons, the Saints defensive backs will face a tough challenge in the NFC South.

"The whole division will be tough but I feel good about our group. I really do. We are coming together. The practices have been great. WeÃƒÂ¢Ã¢Â‚Â¬Ã¢Â„Â¢ve been feeding off each other. Everybody wants to make the next big play."

Fellow corner Fred Thomas is more than happy to have Craft as a new addition to the Saints defense.

"Certain guys make plays. The film doesnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢Â‚Â¬Ã¢Â„Â¢t lie. Watching him in Jacksonville you could see it. I donÃƒÂ¢Ã¢Â‚Â¬Ã¢Â„Â¢t know why the Jaguars let him go but I know heÃƒÂ¢Ã¢Â‚Â¬Ã¢Â„Â¢ll make plays."

All Craft knows for sure is that it feels good to be wanted.

"I canÃƒÂ¢Ã¢Â‚Â¬Ã¢Â„Â¢t tell you how great it feels to be in a place that really wants you."